A/HRC/38/19 33. The panel discussion provided participants with the possibility of commenting on the human rights system and of identifying those aspects that should be improved, so as to guarantee its effective functioning. Many delegations stressed the need to strengthen the international human rights framework by providing the necessary financial and political support for the Human Rights Council, other United Nations human rights mechanisms and OHCHR. A number of delegations stated that the United Nations as a whole should strengthen international cooperation and mobilize resources for the promotion and protection of human rights. 34. Several representatives highlighted the valuable contribution of the Human Rights Council in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Council was the guardian of rights and freedoms across the globe. In the view of some delegations, the Council should play a significant role in assisting States to build solid and resilient national institutions with a mandate to address obstacles to the full implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some delegations underlined that the Council and the universal periodic review should be considered a global platform for cooperation and dialogue among Member States regarding the fulfilment of their human rights obligations at the national, regional and international levels. A number of delegations singled out politicization and double-standards as the major challenges in the work of the Council, calling on the Council and other human rights mechanisms to fulfil their mandates in a more impartial, constructive and non-selective manner. 35. Many delegations commended the work carried out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The substantial role played by OHCHR in enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights was acknowledged. 36. The panel was asked to answer and comment on a set of questions raised by representatives. Delegations asked: (a) whether there were specific reasons behind the limited implementation of the rights enshrined in the declarations; (b) whether international cooperation and technical assistance had any role in the implementation of the Universal Declaration; (c) whether cooperation and coordination between existing human rights mechanisms in Geneva and New York could be made more effective; and (d) how the whole international community could develop a new human rights-oriented vision. B. Responses by panellists 37. Mr. Strohal said that the implementation gap could be closed only if there were political will in that regard, and if those responsible for its existence were held accountable. One of the best ways to enhance cooperation between Geneva and New York would be through the Sustainable Development Goals, which provided a unique opportunity to feed the work done in Geneva to New York. He recalled that 2018 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The protection of human rights defenders was a crucial issue that epitomized respect for human rights, or rather the lack of it. The situation of journalists should not be forgotten, as they were the target of attacks and abuse in many parts of the world. In his view, Governments should not shoot the messenger, but heed the message. As for the role of cooperation and technical assistance, the follow-up to the universal periodic review was as an excellent tool that would help to bridge the gap between the national and international levels. 38. Ms. Farha stated that, in her view, based on her experience as Special Rapporteur, there was a significant divide between Geneva and New York. In her periodic reporting to the General Assembly, she had repeatedly pointed out that, in New York, there was a lack of constructive dialogue on social and economic rights at the level of the Third Committee. There was a certain discomfort in addressing human rights issues, mainly due to a lack of expertise. The Sustainable Development Goals would provide a bridge between the work done in Geneva and that carried out in New York. The implementation gap was closely linked to political will, mechanisms and accountability. States and subnational entities were not being creative in their approach to integrating the recommendations received at the 7